SUICIDE IN NEW GUINEA.

New Zealand Mail, Issue 1687, 29 June 1904, Page 21

SUICIDE IN NEW GUINEA.

THURSDAY ISLAND, June 22

The steamer China brings news that Mr Robinson, judicial officer at New Guinea, shot himself, and died m twenty minutes. No particulars are to hand. Deceased was a son of Archdeacon Robinson,, of New Zealand. Later news states that Captain Barton, who was investigating the la 1 :© Merrie Elngland affray with the Goarabasi natives, discovered Mr Robinson cn .Sunday near his residence with a bullet wound in his head, and a revolver at his side.

He died in fifteen minutes, without speaking. It ia believed Mr Robinson left a written statement regarding the„ Merrie England affray. Captain Barton states that when he was conversing with Mr Robinson some time previous to the •fatality, deceased appeared to be in good spirits. MELBOURNE, June 23. Mr W. M. Hughes, Federal Minister for External Affairs, has received a message from Captain Barton (who was conducting an inquiry into the disturbance between the Merrie England and the natives at New Guinea). Captain Barton -announces the suicide (mentioned in yesterday’s cablegrams) of Mr Robinson, a judicial officer at New Guinea, and states that arrangements had been completed for Mr Robinson and other; -witnesses in the Merrie England affair; to leave on the day of bis death. Hei

adds that no native witnesses were sent, as Mr Robinson had informed him that he did not require their evidence. Sir Edmund Barton expects to leave far Thursday Island on the 27th, to commence the inquiry, if it is not cancelled, on the Bth July., Mr Hughes stated that 'Cabinet would to-day consider whether it would cancel the inquiry. He expressed regret at what had happened.

Mr Robinson’s death is attributed to the strain of mental worry and the effects of the inquiry into the affray with the Goaribari natives.

MELBOURNE, June 24

Cabinet has decided to ask for a summary of the statement left by Mr Iloniuson, who committed suicide at New Guinea, regarding the conflict with the Goaribari natives.

Preparations are being continued for the sitting of the Commission of Inquiry, but it may be that when particulars .arrive the Commission will be cancelled.

Mr W. M. Hughes, Federal Minister, has sent a message of condolence .to Mr Robinson’s parents.